Bilberry vs Blueberry: Nutrition, Taste & Health Benefits Compared

If you know anything about superfoods, you’re probably already wise to the impressive health benefits of blueberries. Packed with essential nutrients and protective antioxidants, these berries aren’t just bursting with flavor. However, the term blueberry is actually something of a misnomer. There are dozens of varieties of blueberry out there, including the Maine wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), the cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and the European wild blueberry, also known as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).

Both bilberries and blueberries score top marks for nutrition and taste, but there’s a lot that sets apart the two. Below, we’ll put the bilberry vs blueberry debate to rest by taking a closer look at their flavor profile, nutrient content, and health-enhancing properties.

Bilberries (on the left image) are generally smaller than blueberries and tend to be darker in color.

Introduction to Bilberries and Blueberries

What Are Bilberries?

Although they might look similar to regular blueberries, bilberries are distinct from their North American counterparts. Bilberries are generally smaller than blueberries and tend to be darker in color.

Bilberries can be found growing in the wild in subarctic regions. They’re a native species to northern Europe and Iceland, and can also be found in some parts of Asia. They’re a particularly hardy genus of plants that thrive in nutrient-poor and acidic soils and can often be found in heathland and upland areas.

While bilberries can be hard to cultivate, they’re regularly harvested from the wild. Once picked, the fruit can be used to make jams, juices, and even liqueurs.

What Are Blueberries?

Blueberries are one of the most sought-after superfoods on the planet. These delicious berries are the fruit of more than a dozen different perennial flowering plants and are instantly recognizable thanks to their distinct blue color.

Native to North America, blueberries do well in acidic soil and are relatively hardy. Although blueberries can be picked wild, they’re fairly easy to grow and have been cultivated in the United States since the early 20th century.

In recent years, blueberry production has spread to more diverse growing regions. Today, rabbiteye blueberries are grown as far south as the Gulf Coast, while other varieties are grown as far and wide as Spain and Peru.

Bilberries vs Blueberries: Differences in Taste, Appearance, and Availability

Although blueberries are more common, bilberries are cultivated widely enough that both fruits are readily available. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two popular superfoods.

Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses

Blueberries are known for their balanced flavor, which varies between sweetness and acidity depending on ripeness. Highbush varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum) tend to be milder and sweeter, while lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are smaller, more intensely flavored, and slightly more tart. These juicy fruits are widely used in cooking, serving as a staple baking ingredient and a go-to choice for smoothies and shakes.

Bilberries are even more acidic than lowbush blueberries and have a richer, more intense flavor due to their higher concentration of anthocyanins, which also gives them a deeper blue-purple color. While they share some similarities with blueberries, bilberries are a distinct species with notable differences in taste, nutrient composition, and growth habits. You can use these brilliant berries in much the same way as blueberries, but their focused flavor makes them a particularly good choice for things like preserves, sorbet, and syrups.

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Identifying Bilberries vs. Blueberries

Although they’re part of the same plant family, it’s easy to discern the difference between bilberries and blueberries. Both berries are small and round, but bilberries are the tinier of the two, rarely growing to more than 9 millimeters. The largest varieties of blueberry can grow to almost twice that size.

The two berries also differ when it comes to color. Blueberries tend to boast a blue or purple skin, while the skin of bilberries is much darker in color, veering close to black. The differences continue on the inside, with bilberries having red flesh and blueberries having pale green flesh.

The texture is somewhat similar, but bilberries are slightly denser than the blueberry. The skin of the bilberry is also a little tougher than that of the blueberry.

Seasonal and Regional Availability

Blueberries are widely grown in the northern United States and Canada, with an extended harvest period lasting from April to September. Bilberries are grown across northern Europe, Iceland, and parts of Asia. After a June bloom, harvesting gets going in August and typically wraps up in September.

Due to the growing region, the nutritional value can be very different, with bilberries containing about 4x more antioxidants than other blueberries.

Nutritional Comparison between Bilberries and Blueberries

While the bilberry might beat out the blueberry when it comes to flavor, there is of course the nutritional value of these two berries to consider. Let’s take a closer look at which berry makes the better addition to a balanced diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Both the blueberry and the bilberry are nutrient-dense. However, bilberries generally have higher amounts of Vitamin C, E, and K. They’re also richer in manganese and potassium, making them a smart choice if you’re looking to load up on vitamins and minerals.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The antioxidant level of both of these brilliant berries is impressive. If you’re looking to combat the effect of free radicals, working a portion of blueberries or bilberries into your diet is a good move. Their anti-inflammatory properties also promote better gut health, aiding digestion and improving gastrointestinal well-being.

While both berries score well for antioxidants, it’s the bilberry that comes on top in terms of anthocyanins. They contain the highest concentration of anthocyanin of any berry, with up to 350 milligrams of the stuff for every 50 grams of bilberries.

The nutritional value of three blueberries is significantly different. Due to growing conditions, bilberry antioxidant levels are relatively higher than those of any other blueberries.

Potential Health Benefits

Because of their antioxidant levels, blueberries and bilberries alike are known for their health-enhancing benefits. Several studies suggest that they can beat the signs of aging, protect against heart disease, and stave off cancer. What’s more, they can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, while improving immune system response.

Conclusion: Bilberry or Blueberry? Which Berry Is Right for You?

If you’re looking to enrich your diet with a health-boosting superfood, both blueberries and bilberries make excellent additions. Both varieties of these magnificent berries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, bringing many health benefits. What’s more, they’re easy to integrate into your daily diet, pairing well with all manner of user-friendly recipes.

However, when push comes to shove, the bilberry inches out the blueberry by a comfortable margin. Bilberries are loaded with a higher concentration of antioxidants and contain more essential nutrients. What’s more, their intense flavor profile makes them a palate-pleasing alternative to the humble blueberry.  

Can't wait for the blueberry season? Freeze-dried blueberries make a delicious snack, all year round!